Côr Meibion De Cymru recently delivered a thoughtful and moving Concert of Remembrance in Tenby.

On November 7, at 7pm, in St Mary’s Church, on the occasion of a Côr Meibion De Cymru’s Gala Concert of Remembrance in support of Tenby Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, the church was full, the choristers’ seats were empty. The musical director and accompanist were not present.

The church was silent. The rain had stopped. The Church clock tolled the hour.

Then, with sudden passion, two Scots Bagpipers struck up in the courtyard outside, the doors to the church were flung open and the choir together with musical team and flag bearers were loudly piped through the aisles to their positions.

It was a magnificent and inspiring start to what was to be an thoughtful and emotional Concert of Remembrance.

As one of the newer members of the choir remarked after the concert: ‘I have never never been piped into a concert by Scottish Pipers before – that was thrilling, emotional, magnificent. I want to do it again next year.’

The concert did not start with customary announcements, formalities and greetings. Instead, the first words the audience heard were “To fallen soldiers let us sing” – the opening line of ‘The Mansions of the Lord’. It was a fitting and memorable opening to a Concert of Remembrance commemorating those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

The Bagpipers, who travelled from Goodwick and Portsmouth, waived their usual fees to help swell the Poppy Appeal Funds.

With sensitivity, power, passion and control, under the expert leadership of Elaine Robins (MD), the choir delivered a rich and varied repertoire – a compelling mixture of cherished Welsh hymns, musical theatre, opera and works from contemporary Welsh composers – for which they have become well-known.

The Choir were delighted to welcome D Huw Rees as their accompanist. A highlight of note was when they sang ‘This is the Moment’ (from the musical Jekyll and Hyde) – arranged by D Huw Rees himself, and a tune that the Choir had sung previously, in 2024, at the Royal Albert Hall in a WAMC (Welsh Association of Male Choirs) massed choir event.

The Goodwick Brass Band, guests for the evening, delivered a dynamic, varied and entertaining programme under their inspiring conductor Joshua Ruck, and showcased young, talented soloists such as the trombonist Ianto Evans.

Over two sets, they inspired the audience to a well-deserved standing ovation.

Before the formal Act of Remembrance, Phil Howells (VP CMDC and Compere for the evening) read out a written message of appreciation and support from the Choir’s royal patron, HM Charles III. The Act of Remembrance brought a solemn and moving conclusion to the evening.

Côr Meibion De Cymru remains committed to supporting communities through the uplifting force of song.

The Choir extends its thanks to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who made the evening unforgettable.

As a renowned touring choir, we extend a warm welcome to new recruits - particularly existing choristers from other "home choirs" who, as choir numbers decline, may find touring and singing in bigger, more prestigious venues, an interesting addition to their singing.

The Choir’s next performance will be at the Principality Stadium, singing on the pitch before the Wales v South Africa rugby match on November 29 – once again under the baton of their President, Dr Haydn James.